Full-size luxury sedan – Saab 9-9X Aero

Once, Zhejiang Youngman – one of the then buyers of Saab, announced an additional agreement for the development of three models in “the next generation of Saab” – new Saab…

Once, Zhejiang Youngman – one of the then buyers of Saab, announced an additional agreement for the development of three models in “the next generation of Saab” – new Saab models smaller city car (Saab 9-1), a large cross -over model positioned above the current Saab 9- 4X ( Saab 9- 6X) and large sedan positioned above the current Saab 9-5 (Saab 9-7 – full size luxury sedan).

Just at that time, designer George Loizou and General Motors Insiderpublished design sketches of new Saab cars – including models Saab 9-1 and a large flagship premium called Saab 9-9X Aero, and several articles on the topic of dream SAAB lineups.

Saab 9-9 coupe by Motortrend

Saab 9-9 sedan by IDFK

This is an excerpt from their vision of the largest and longest Saab sedan:

No luxury brand is complete without a range topping luxury flagship. It’s a necessity to be taken seriously and to truly compete. The positive image of a luxury flagship rubs off on the whole lineup. Nothing less then an all out Cadillac style revitalization will be enough to truly bring Saab into contention for mainstream luxury buyers in the US. Saab needs a competitive, stunning Full-size luxury sedan. The SAAB 9-9x is that car.

The import makes (most specifically, German) guard the upper luxury segment that they control aggressively. Only Lexus’s recent offering is a credible attempt at breaking into this market. The German automakers don’t take this lightly, they’re on their game, and GM needs to be focused on making sure that the 9-9x works. A standard complement of Saab features, such as driver’s oriented cockpit, NightPanel, SID, SAHR II and anti-submarining seats are included. Additional luxury features in the interior abound, and include reclining rear heated/cooled/massaging seats, 4-Zone Digital Climate Control System, Heads Up Display, Night Vision, Green LED Ambient Lighting, genuine dash wood, Alcantara leather and a lane change warning system. The 9-9x isn’t something that can be done cheaply, or quickly. It has to be done right. Exclusivity, attention to detail and beautiful styling will be the 9-9x’s selling points. Even in a high end market like this, there is no exclusivity. On America’s populous and fashionable coasts, luxury makes are common place, and S-Classes and 7-Series sedans are seen everywhere.

By targeting the performance segment of the premium sedan market (7-series and XJR), Saab can effectively cohabitate with future high end Cadillacs, which would most likely target the sophisticated luxury segment (S-Class, 760Li). GM needs a piece of this profitable market, and the 9-9x could be a way to get it.

Based on an premium version of the Zeta platform, the Saab 9-9x utilizes some engine and platform components that are rumored to be in development and or should be developed by the time we are proposing this car be introduced. For the engines, we start out with the excellent HF series. The HF has the capability to go to 4.0L in size. This would be the engine that would go into the base model 9-9x. The Aero sport model would utilize GM’s Ultra V8, itself a variation of the HF series engines. A 4.6L Turbo Charged Ultra V8 powers the AWD system. Unique features abound, and the styling sets the car apart from the competition, along with Saab’s excellent reputation for safety and innovation. The 9-9x utilizes all of Saab’s technologies and is a safety showcase…